Child Development Center Manager

Job Description

Position Title: Child Development Center Manager
Reports To: Senior Director of Education
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $22.70 - $29.51

Job Summary

The Early Education Supervisor provides leadership, oversight, and support to Site Administrators and Teachers across Head Start/EHS-CCP Centers. This role ensures consistent compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and agency policies while fostering high-quality center operations in the areas of governance, ERSEA, health, family engagement, disabilities, and transition services. The Early Education Supervisor is responsible for supervision, coaching, and professional development of Site Administrators and Teachers and acts as a key liaison between center-level staff and senior management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide direct supervision, guidance, and performance evaluations for all Teachers and Site Administrators.
2. Arrange and address daily coverage needs at all Head Start locations.
3. Monitor and ensure Teachers’ and Site Administrators’ compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and agency procedures.
4. Review center operations to verify accuracy of documentation, data entry, case management, and childcare billing.
5. Support Teachers and Site Administrators in leading parent engagement activities, staff meetings, and community involvement initiatives.
6. Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for Teachers and Site Administrators.
7. Conduct routine site visits to monitor program quality, safety standards, and licensing requirements.
8. Review and approve supply requests, purchase orders, and budget-related documentation submitted by Site Administrators.
9. Collaborate with Site Administrators and Mobility Coaches to ensure successful implementation of health, nutrition (USDA), disabilities, and family engagement services.
10. Serve as the communication link between Staff in the Head Start Centers and the Senior Director of Education.
11. Ensure Site Administrators maintain and update center emergency preparedness plans, safety inspections, and safety drill documentation.
12. Ensure Site Administrators monitor in-kind contributions and volunteer engagement at each center.
13. Guide Site Administrators in handling incidents, accidents, and emergencies, ensuring proper reporting and follow-up.
14. Lead regular supervisory meetings with Site Administrators and Teachers to provide updates, training, and policy clarification.
15. Assist in maintaining training, personnel, and center information in the data tracking system, Child Plus.
16. Support recruitment and enrollment efforts to ensure funded enrollment numbers are achieved.
17. Review and support professional development goals of Site Administrators and Teachers.
18. Conduct annual performance evaluations of all Site Administrators and Teachers.
19. Address staff performance issues in collaboration with the HR department and the Senior Director of Education.
20. Conduct classroom observations to evaluate performance using valid and reliable tools (i.e. ECERS, ITERS, CLASS, etc.).
21. Provide classroom coverage, as needed.
22. Participate in agency-wide planning, compliance reviews, and quality assurance initiatives.
23. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement across centers.
24. Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure program effectiveness and high-quality service delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in early childhood education, Head Start or related human services field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, state childcare licensing, and USDA Child Nutrition requirements.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team management skills.
• Must obtain/maintain CLASS reliability certification and the Kentucky Early Care and Education Trainer’s Credential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities with staff, families, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and child data management systems (e.g., ChildPlus).
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel between program sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/other languages).
• Experience supervising multiple sites or centers.

Prior Head Start supervisory experience